March 2016 £2 No. 384 Mascot The Magazine of the Midget & Sprite Club
www.midgetandspriteclub.co.uk SPECIALIST VEHICLE INSURANCE Cherished by you Insured by us Over 35 years’ experience No broker administration fees Choose a vehicle repairer you trust UK & European accident & breakdown recovery including home service Free and automatic salvage retention* Cover for drivers from 18 years of age and no upper age limit* Agreed value*
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* Subject to our standing underwriting criteria. Please refer to the policy documentation on our website, or call, for further information. RH Specialist Insurance is a trading name of Hiscox Underwriting Limited. Hiscox Underwriting Limited has granted a licence to ERS Syndicate Services Limited to use the brand name, RH Specialist Insurance, subject to the terms of the licence. The insurer on all RH Specialist Insurance policies is Syndicate 218 at Lloyd’s, which is managed by ERS Syndicate Management Limited. ERS Syndicate Services Limited is an Appointed Representative of ERS Syndicate Management Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential FindRegulation us on Facebook Badge Authority and CMregulatedYK / .ai by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority. Hiscox Underwriting Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Classic Car Modern Car Classic Bike Multi-vehicle Military
FP0030/07/2015 SPECIALIST VEHICLE INSURANCE THE WHO, THE WHAT & THE WHERE of THE MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 email: [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Jim Willis, Tel: 01527 402804 email: [email protected] TREASURER David King, Tel: 01453 544202 email: [email protected] Cherished by you EDITOR Gary Lazarus, 40B Hungerford Road, London, N7 9LP. Tel: 0207700 5696 email: [email protected] AREA REP’S DELEGATE Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 email: [email protected] MEMBERSHIP Stuart Watson, “Staddlestones”, Thicknall Lane, Clent, Stourbridge, West Midlands. Insured by us DY9 0HX Tel: 01562 883076 email: [email protected] GENERAL MEMBER Kate Andrews, email: [email protected] Over 35 years’ experience Glyn Polly, Tel: 07544 302 575 email: [email protected] Alan Pritchett, Tel: 07720 238810 [email protected] No broker administration fees OFFICERS CLUB ARCHIVIST & Terry Horler, 63 Littledean, Yate, Bristol, BS37 8UQ. Tel: 01454 881770 Choose a vehicle repairer you trust TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION [email protected] MEMBERS ADVERTISING Alan Lo, Tel: 0117 9572617 Mob: 07474 343643 email: [email protected] CAR REGISTERS UK & European accident & breakdown SPRITES & MIDGETS Stuart Watson, [email protected] Tel: 01562 883 076 (EXCEPT MK1 SPRITES) recovery including home service SPRITES MK1 Gary Lazarus, [email protected] Tel: 020 7700 5696 REGALIA OFFICER Mike Grout, 55 Park Road, Spixworth, Norwich, NR10 3PJ. Tel: 01603 890211 Free and automatic salvage retention* email: [email protected] TECHNICAL ADVISOR Mark Boldry, email: [email protected] Cover for drivers from 18 years WEBMASTER Mike Bennett, [email protected] Tel: 01925 727479 TRADE ADVERTISING Gary Lazarus, [email protected] Tel: 020 7700 5696 of age and no upper age limit* AREA REPRESENTATIVES BRISTOL Terry Horler, Tel: 01454 881770 email: [email protected] Agreed value* CENTRAL Dave Warren, Tel: 07831 101850 email: [email protected] DEVON Michael Ellis, Tel: 07527 598091 email: [email protected] DORSET John Gully, Tel: 07876 334949 email [email protected] EAST ANGLIA David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810 email: [email protected] Call our friendly UK team for a quotation ESSEX Gary Knight, Tel: 01376 562172 Mob: 07932 077305 email: [email protected] HAMPSHIRE Terry Langridge, Tel: 01252 626063 email: [email protected] HEART OF ENGLAND Dave Puzey, Tel: 024 7671 2384 email: [email protected] HOME COUNTIES Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 email: [email protected] 01277 206 911 NORTH WEST www.rhclassicinsurance.co.uk KENT Alan Anstead, Tel: 01322 384050 email: [email protected] LINCOLNSHIRE Currently vacant LONDON Gary Lazarus, Tel: 020 7700 5696 email: [email protected] NORTH WEST Neil McLeod, Tel: 01772 323770 Mob: 07921 089 680 email: [email protected] * Subject to our standing underwriting criteria. Please refer to the policy documentation on our website, or call, NOTTS/DERBY Ian Cooke, Tel: 0115 938 3838 email: [email protected] NORTH NOTTS & John Austerfield, [email protected] Tel: 07778 636070 for further information. SOUTH YORKS OXFORD Grahame Gibbins, Tel: 01235 530456 email: [email protected] RH Specialist Insurance is a trading name of Hiscox Underwriting Limited. Hiscox Underwriting Limited SCOTLAND Graham Smith, Tel: 0141 954 8276 email: [email protected] has granted a licence to ERS Syndicate Services Limited to use the brand name, RH Specialist Insurance, SOMERSET Valerie Young, Tel: 01460 391431 email: [email protected] subject to the terms of the licence. The insurer on all RH Specialist Insurance policies is Syndicate 218 SOUTH WEST WALES David Hill, Tel: 01239 811307 email: [email protected] at Lloyd’s, which is managed by ERS Syndicate Management Limited. ERS Syndicate Services Limited is an SURREY Mike Gorman, Tel: 01737-552256 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Appointed Representative of ERS Syndicate Management Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential SUSSEX David Southcott, WILTSHIRE Andy Cross, Tel: 01225 743554 email: [email protected] Find us on Facebook Badge CMYK / .ai Regulation Authority and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority. YORKSHIRE Rob Armstrong, Tel: 07889 090411 email: [email protected] Hiscox Underwriting Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Also see the Club Nights section for new areas and contacts. Compiled by Gary Lazarus ([email protected]). Please advise me of any changes, errors etc. Classic Car Modern Car Classic Bike Multi-vehicle Military MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: IF YOU EXPERIENCE ‘MASCOT’ PROBLEMS UPON RENEWAL, PLEASE CONTACT THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY OR THE TREASURER STRAIGHT AWAY. The Committee © Midget & Sprite Club Printed by Quorum Print Services Ltd, Units 3&4, Lansdown Industrial Estate, Cheltenham, GL51 8PL FP0030/07/2015 Tel: 01242 584984 Website: www.quorumprint.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] March Editorial
Don’t worry! Spring is just round the corner any thanks to all of you that have If you’ve never been to a club meeting or Mcontributed to this month’s Mascot, I’ve event, why not make it happen during March had such a great influx of material, that I’ve or April? Your area reps will be delighted been unable to fit it all in. So if your article to hear from you and your fellow members or car hasn’t appeared in the magazine, fear are just waiting to crawl all over your cars not! It’s almost guaranteed to be printed at with varying degrees of jealousy, glee and some point over the coming months. enthusiasm, irrespective of condition (or in the case of my car), cleanliness. The time for getting out and about in our Spridgets upon us. It’s just a shame that I hope to meet up with some of you at the the weather here in the UK hasn’t yet got Practical Classic Restoration Show at the that message. Sunny, warm, balmy and NEC and although time is short, feel free pleasant are just some of the words missing to contact any of the club’s committee from conversations so far this year, unless members with questions or requests. If you preceded by the phrase “I wish it could be get in quickly, you may even be able to have a bit more....”. Never mind, most have roofs them raised at the upcoming committee that we can fit, even though for some it goes meeting on the 13th of March. Our details against the grain, added to which for others are on page 1. of us, it makes a graceful and sylph-like entry Have a great month. Make sure that you use and exit of the cars even less likely. your Spridgets and don’t forget to write in to Check through this month’s Mascot and you Mascot to tell us all about it. will see various events listed and advertised. Gary & Gaps
The deadline for articles and reports for inclusion in April’s edition of Mascot is Wednesday 16th March
The statements and opinions expressed in each and every issue of Mascot are not necessarily the considered views of the Midget and Sprite Club. The views expressed by the editorial contributors, letter writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Club. The Midget and Sprite Club accepts no responsibility for the results of following contributor’s advice, nor does it necessarily endorse the services or products offered by advertisers.
Cover shot: John Gully’s Frogeye with his partner Carole, parked at Poole Park. See page 25 for details of this upcoming event
2 DVLA
“What £5 to the DVLA and a Another owner, Mr Moran, who undertook the restoration; bought her as a Silver Wedding couple of stamps can get you...” present and used her regularly on trips to fter purchasing his Frogeye (1960 reg Holland, Belgium and France. He confirmed AVJU844) from Robin Lawton (who regularly the change back to the original “VJU 844” advertises in Mascot) in July last year Justin registration, and offered an extra hide he decided that he would like to know more still had in his garage that matched the beige about the cars history. Please see his story leather seats free of charge (this is going to below which might inspire some members to be a project to re-cover the dash to match do the same: the seats).
Mrs Moran in VJU844 during restoration”
Justin Bates & Tracy Anne Smith with “Doris” on the day of delivery Another previous owner still had the hardtop; the original “Austin Healey works” pattern Wanting to know more but not knowing complete with a Foppolo sticker from the where to start, he completed a V888 form Italian Alps in the back window; again a deal (available here: www.gov.uk/government/ was done including a brand new seal kit that uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ had never been used and Justin now has the file/436690/V888_200315.pdf) and sent it off hard top (another project). With the hardtop to the DVLA with the £5 fee. He received back came an album of images from before, during a full list of the five previous owners and their and after the restoration. These confirmed last addresses held by the DVLA. Armed with that the car was very well travelled and even that information he sent off five letters and the had a tow bar fitted for a small trailer prior to response has been fantastic to say the least. restoration (very un-sportscar-like!). One owner gave him the information that his father (the first owner for 30 years) let him use it for his honeymoon in 1967 when it was badged with a private plate “GET 1” (“GET 1” is now on a black Ferrari 599). He has also promised some period pictures from the 60’s.
Prior to restoration with hardtop and towbar
All of the above for £5, a few stamps and just a bit of time! Well worth the effort, start by Mr Moran in VJU844 after restoration using the link to download a V888 form
3 Club Nights
1st Tuesday Essex Area – Now meet at The Green Man, Green Man Lane, Kelvedon Road, Little Braxted, Essex CM8 3LB. For further details contact Gary Knight, Tel: 01376 562172 Mob: 07932 077305 email: [email protected] 1st Wednesday Central Area – Now meet at the Swan Inn, Whitacre Heath, Near Coleshill, B46 2JA, 8.30 pm onwards Contact: Dave Warren, Tel: 07831 101850. email: [email protected] 1st Wednesday Oxford Area – Meet at the Blackhorse Pub, Gozzards Ford, Nr Abingdon. 7pm for those eating or 8pm for those not. Contact Grahame Gibbins at grahame _ [email protected] 2nd Tuesday London Area (Congestion Zone) – Meet at The Ace Cafe at 7:30pm together with the Classic Cars Magazine night. Details: Gary Lazarus on 020 7700 5696 garyfrogeye@gmail 2nd Wednesday Devon Area – Meet at Court farm, Abbotskerswell, TQ125 NY Devon. Michael Ellis Michael_ [email protected] and telephone: 07527 598091 2nd Wednesday Heart of England, covers Worcs, Warks, West Midlands and surrounding areas – Meet at The Green Dragon, The Green, Sambourne, Redditch, B96 6NU, at 8.30pm as usual. 2nd Wednesday North West Area meet at The Kilton, turn off M6 at Jct 20 onto A50 towards Macclesfield. Pub 4 miles on left. Please note new venue. Neil McLeod email neil _ [email protected] Tel 01772 323770 Mobile 07921 089 68 2nd Wednesday Bristol Area will meet at The Rose and Crown, Pucklechurch at 8pm. All Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas members welcome. Contact Terry Horler on 01454 881770 rebelwithasprite@hotmail 2nd Thursday Notts/Derby border Area at the Sitwell Arms at 30 Wood Lane, Horsley Woodhouse, Derby, DE7 6BN from approx. 8.30. Just a mile north-west of the A608/A609 crossroads. Ian Cooke 0115 938 3838 [email protected] 2nd Thursday East Anglian Area. Previously the Cambridgeshire Area meet at The Ferry Boat, at Holywell, 8pm 2nd Saturday Yorkshire Area – meet each month at lunchtime from 12:30pm at The Nags Head, Pickhill, near Thirsk, YO7 4JG – more information at http;//yorkshiremasc.blogspot.com/ 2nd Sunday *New* East Kent Group meet on the at Crown Inn, Sarre, CT70LF from 1230hrs Contact [email protected] 3rd Tuesday Scotland – Meet at The Windmill Tavern, 4 Thorniewood Road, Uddingston G71 5QQ at 8pm. Graham Smith 0141 954 8276 email: [email protected] 3rd Tuesday Surrey – Meet at The Chequers, Chequers Lane, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey KT20 7SF. 7.00pm onwards. Contact Mike Gorman, [email protected] Tel: 01737-552256 3rd Sunday *New* North Notts & South Yorks group meeting is from 10am. The Courtyard Tea Room, Womersley, north of Doncaster DN6 9BH. Contact: John Austerfield [email protected] 07778 636070 4th Monday Dorset – Meet at St. Peter’s Finger, Lytchett Minster, Poole, BH16 6JE – 7.30pm Contact John Gully, Tel: 07876 334949 email [email protected] 4th Thursday Sussex – Meet at Bolney Stage, Bolney, RH17 5RL from 19:00. Contact David Southcott at [email protected] 4th Thursday Hampshire – Please ring Terry or Harriet Langridge on 01252 626063 for details. 4th Sunday Kent Area – Meet at The Angel, Addington Green, West Malling, Kent, ME19 5BB at 12:00 for lunch. Contact Alan Anstead, Tel: 01322 384050 [email protected] Last Monday Wiltshire – Meet at The Barge Inn, Seend, Nr. Devizes, about 7pm. Contact Andy Cross on 01225 743554 or e-mail [email protected] Last Wednesday Home Counties North West for members in Herts, Beds, Bucks, Berks, N. London or anyone interested! Meet at the Chequers Inn, Redbourn, AL3 7AD from 6:30pm. Please contact Mike or Sue Gahan on email [email protected] or on 07850 488636. Last Thursday. Somerset Area – Meet at Windy Miller’s Pie & Bar House @ Haselbury Mill, nr. Crewkerne. TA18 7NY 7pm if eating, 8 to 8.30pm if not. Please contact Valerie Young on 01460 391431 for further information. We may not always be there, especially in the Summer! Northern Ireland [email protected]. If enough interest, will arrange a meeting. South West Wales Non-regular and occasional meetings and runs arranged throughout the summer months. Please contact David Hill on 01239 811307 or email: [email protected] 4 Club Website www.midgetandspriteclub.co.uk Members Only Pages: Password: Speedo (which is case sensitive) Also follow the Midget and Sprite Club on Area reps please make Gary Lazarus aware of any events already in your diaries for 2016, so that they can be added to this “Events” section of the magazine and the website. For the magazine Gary can be contacted at [email protected] For the website Mike Bennett can be contacted at [email protected] Send your events details to [email protected] 5-6 March Practical Classics Restoration & Classic Car Show. NEC, Birmingham See discount code in this month’s Mascot and Call 0844 858 6758 to book tickets or online at www.necrestorationshow.com 10th April Wiltshire Area Corinium Run, Cirencester Car Club. Entries now open. Contact Dave Hansford [email protected] 10th April Cote de Kent run – Coastal drive finishing at Sarre for East Kent meet. Contact Kent rep. 22nd–25th April Isle of Wight Tour contact Mel Collins [email protected] (places filling fast) 24th April Drive it Day (Various Events. Contact your Area Reps) 24th April Notts & Derby Area Drive it Day Planned drive ending at MASC gathering at Burton upon Trent. Contact: Ian Cooke (Notts + Derby are rep) [email protected] 2nd May It Devizes Lions Club May Fayre on the Bank Holiday Monday, from 10.30 am until about 5.00 pm. Entry, both for visitors and those with vehicles is free. Contact Roger Stratton [email protected] 28th–29th May La Vie en Bleu, Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott hill climb. Contact Dave Hansford [email protected] 30th Apr–2nd May Donington Historic Festival at at Donington Park visit www.doningtonhistoric.com 13th–15th May Spa Classic 2016 www.spa-classic.com 30th May Classics in the Park at Poole Park, Parkstone Road, Poole Town, BH15 2SE, Dorset. Organised by Dorset Area MASC. For more information or to book an Area stand contact Ian Beaver at: [email protected] 10th–13th June Montlhery Heritage. Meet with Spridget Club de France at the historic motor race circuit south of Paris. Contact Kent rep.
Send your events details to [email protected]
5 MASC at Classic Nostalgia YOU COULD
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YOU COULD SAVE CLASSIC MIDGET & IF28% YOU INSURE MORE THAN ONE CLASSIC VEHICLE WITH SPRITE INSURANCE A MULTI-CLASSIC POLICY† WITH AGREED VALUE* NOW THAT’S WORTH SOMETHING
• DISCOUNTS for club members* • Talk to an expert in our UK CALL CENTRE • Pick a SPECIALIST REPAIRER of your choice • Up to £100,000 LEGAL PROTECTION if you’re in an accident that’s not your fault • UK & EU breakdown WORTH OVER £100 - includes Homestart • EUROPEAN COVER up to 90 days* • Salvage Retention Rights* ALSO AVAILABLE • Laid up cover • Spare Parts Cover • Wedding cover • Track Day Cover
We Speak Your Language 0800 144 4676 Classic | Camper Van | Specialist | Military | Performance Visit us online at cherished.carolenash.com Opening hours in the UK: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm.*Terms and conditions apply, call for details. †Based on an average customer, saving 28% when compared to buying three separate Carole Nash policies. Average customer = 57 year old male with full 10 years plus NCB, driving a 1965 MG B, 1973 MG B and 1972 MG Midget. Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. New Members – January–February 2016
We extend a warm welcome to the following new and rejoined members
5148 Colin & Jane Burns York Sprite Mk 1 5183 Mike Botting Norfolk Midget 1500 5210 Andrew Clarke West Midlands Sprite Mk 1 5211 Kelvin Underwood West Sussex Austin Sprite 5212 Dean & Joanna Kidd Hertfordshire Sprite Mk1 5213 John Clarke Leicestershire Sprite Mk 1 5214 David & Jane Clarkson Devon Sprite Mk 1 5215 Robert Jacks Cheshire Sprite Mk 1 5216 Alan Pavier Hampshire Sprite Mk 1 5217 Sean Crowley Phillipines Jaguar Mk2 5218 Dave Wick Berkshire Sprite Mk 1 Lenham 5219 Richard & Tracy & Wyatt Driscoll United States Midget 1500 5221 Christopher Ennis & Annette Barnes Manchester Sprite Mk 4 5222 Karl Randle Derbyshire Midget Mk 3 5223 David Poole Warwickshire Austin Sprite 5224 Glen Stenning Wiltshire Sprite Mk 1
Melanie also in their Midget Mike Botting’s 1500 Midget
Karl Randle with his and Melanie Brookes, Tiona and Bradley’s MkIII Midget
8 New Members – January–February 2016
Dean & Joanna Kidd’s Mk1 Sprite on delivery day John Clarke’s Mk1 Sprite David & Jane Clarkson’s well known Supercharged Alan Pavier’s Hampshire based Frogeye Mk1 Sprite
David Wick’s rare Lenham-Bodied Frogeye, which he’s owned since 1968, here being driven by his daughter A slightly better view of David’s car Richard and Tracy Driscoll and their Grandson Colin & Jane Burns newly acquired Frogeye Wyatt’s Ohio USA based Midget 1500. Read a request from Richard on the Letters page”
9 Letters Hello from Ohio, USA the Historic taxation class which (until the Government change their minds again) moves New member from Ohio USA Richard Driscoll, on each year. has sent in a couple of images of his 1500 Midget (see the New Members’ page) The reflective plates were implemented for safety reasons and as such it would be a retrograde step to allow vehicles newer than 1973 models to use black plates. Further to this, new legislation would have to be implemented via Parliament to achieve such a change which is highly unlikely to happen. The bottom line is that if you have a 1974 vehicle or one newer than that and put black plates on it you run the risk of facing prosecution by the authorities. I hope this helps to clarify things for those who are He writes: unsure of their options. YES, an actual barn where it had been hiding Regards Steve Winstanley (4688A) for a while. The engine needed to be rebuilt and is now in that process. If anyone knows where one can find a rally clock-set similar to An update from John Gibbons the photo. At a reasonable price mind you…I Hi, Gary sure would like that. The February edition of Mascot just dropped through the letterbox and fell open at pages 18/19 where you’ve included my bit about the Midge. Since my August email a lot of water went under the bridge. We had adventures with Kent Old Boys and did a number of trips together. I fixed the heater in time for a November visit to Scotland when she never missed a beat except when she got run into by a truck on the way home. If it hadn’t Can anyone help Richard find a set? been for her solid construction and those One very happy new member. wonderful rubber bumpers, I wouldn’t be here to tell the tale. I managed to drive her home Richard S Driscoll the last 40 miles or so and she was definitely P. S.: My Grandson Wyatt will love having his repairable but at the time I was in no mood name in a magazine (so will my wife Tracy)! to press my case. Sadly the last I saw of the Midge was when a nice young man with a Number Plate Clarity Hi Gary, Having just received my February copy of Mascot I read with interest Steve Nash’s letter on the above subject. As a retired Police Officer I totally agree with everything Steve has written. The legislation clearly states when the cut off point for black plates is and this cannot AND WILL not be extended on a yearly basis, unlike
10 If you would like to contact the editor or the magazine, please email Gary at [email protected] Or write to Mascot Editor, 40B Letters Hungerford Road, London. N7 9LP
breakdown truck took her away just before researched the book and John Britten lent Christmas. me the pix he could not recall the names of In the short time she was with us, we covered the boys standing behind the second pick up. a lot of miles together and had a lot of fun. The John E Davis piece about securing the I think the Sprite enjoyed her company, too, clutch release bearing correctly states that so I’m on the lookout for a replacement. Any lock washer 2K 5813 is NLA. When I raced suggestions? Midgets I used to put a drop (one drop is all you need) of Locktite on the thread. I expect John Gibbons someone will tell me that using this on a steel bolt in alloy thread is a recipe for disaster but Brake light switches it worked for me. Hi Gary I was somewhat baffled by the complexities of Steve Keil’s sump modifications. Again Regarding the brake light switch saga. I going back to my racing days, I bent up a bought the VW switch from a VW dealer. So “U” shaped piece of steel to go round the it’s a proper VW part. I would not trust some pick up strainer and added a plate between on sale on eBay. As the VW thread is M10 the existing baffle and the sump at the other metric I used an adaptor. end. This cured any lack of oil pressure due Part number HU101 Female M10 1 to male to lateral movement in a 1460cc motor that 1/8 NPT from Automec. It costs £3.38 put out nearly 130bhp at the wheels! including VAT. Has anyone experienced problems with Regards Eric Flack repro engine mountings? Having recently replaced his, a friend experienced severe engine vibration, eventually put down to the John Baggott comments on blocks not having enough elasticity to absorb some recent Mascot articles the movement. A set from another source has reduced but not completely cured the and letters problem and he has now purchased some Dear Gary new old stock items. Hopefully, not the next dodgy rotor arm or brake light switch saga. As ever the last two issues contained some Be warned! excellent articles. Some comments if I may. Happy Spridgeting John Baggott. I find it brilliant that Arkley owner Chris Martin was born in a caravan on the site of what was to become John Britten garages. Thanks to Chris for his photo acknowledgement to Mighty Midgets & Special Sprites. When I
Bad engine mount bolt © Mike Hogan Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA from the MG Midgets forum www.mgexp.com Ed Says, not that particular problem, but I did read about an American Midget owner whose A blown up section of the photo showing the two brand new engine mounting stripped one of boys its threads
11 FBHVC NEWS
s always, a much varied report from the obtaining corrections to the entries on V5C AFBHVC covering numerous topics, I will documents to properly list their member’s restrict this to the items of more concern us. vehicles. We join the battle. SPARE PARTS. OBLITERATING ORIGINAL VINs It seems that many member clubs are Modified or parts built vehicles could face experiencing problems in obtaining spare having a new DVLA issued VIN being applied parts for member’s vehicles. Indeed, many even if the original VIN still exists. Hence, clubs are now actively engaged in the if you build a Tifosi Rana, Arkley, Sebring supply and remanufacture of parts for their Replica or any other derivative that strays particular vehicles. away from the original theme, loosing the original VIN, and presumably, the original Fortunately, we are well catered for by the VRM, could be a possibility. industry and so have been spared having to become involved with the supply or This may not affect such derivatives already manufacturing of parts. However, quality of on the road and/or with a current V5C. parts is an issue. Most clubs report problems However, if you are currently engaged with with body, trim and engine components. such a project and have yet to obtain a V5C, Amazingly, electrical and braking there could be a risk of having to obliterate/ components receive a better score. remove the original VIN and accept a new DVLA applied VIN. Not so in our experience with ignition components, brake light switches, shock ASBESTOS absorbers and brake master cylinders all As we know, our vehicles were built when receiving poor reports from our members. asbestos was still in common use for We need to beat the drum louder on the such components as Brake linings, Clutch subject of poor quality, even downright friction discs and certain gaskets. It is now dangerous, parts supply from the industry. prohibited to knowingly sell any components We need to make the FBHVC better aware of containing components, either new or old our experiences on this subject. stock. VEHICLE ENQUIRY SERVICE Hence, if you are restoring to 100% This can be accessed from the DVLA website original specification, any one selling you by stating the vehicle make. This only works components containing asbestos is acting if the vehicle make is recorded correctly by illegally. Presumably, the buyer could also be DVLA. We have a problem as many AUSTIN- in trouble, and certainly will be if inhaling any HEALEY Sprites are recorded as AUSTIN dust or fibres from this killer material. Sprites. Of course, This results purchasing an in vehicle old vehicle is a information not different matter, being found neither seller or lost within nor purchaser another group. may know what This also distorts is contained, listings in the very certainly, a case useful HOW MANY of ‘Buyer Beware’ LEFT website. when it comes to Other clubs have working on such a experienced vehicle. difficulties in Terry Horler
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Proud sponsors of Call us today: 01480 400 912 www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/masc 13 In Defence of Dynamos
n a recent thread in a popular chat room for ISprite and Midget owners, someone asked “with my engine out awaiting refurbishment, are there any dynamo checks I can make to minimise problems in the future?” The first reply was “why not install an alternator disappeared rapidly from all mass-produced and solve a heap of problems?” Despite the vehicles. Reading beyond page 73 in Terry’s fact that no dynamo problems had been book1, I see that MG Midgets first gained mentioned, I doubt this suggestion raised alternators in Australia in 1969, US Midgets many eyebrows, because there is now a very converted in October 1971 and home market widespread belief that the electrical system Sprites and Midgets soldiered bravely on of our cars can be improved by throwing with their dynamos until December 1972. away the original dynamo and voltage The armature of an original Lucas dynamo regulator and installing a modern alternator. is an elaborate and precise assembly: each But is this really true? of the 28 copper commutator segments Any dynamo-engined Sprite or Midget built connects to two wires, each wire makes five in the pre-alternator era (which ended in turns around the armature. With 28x10=280 the early 1970’s) left the factory with an wires distributed into 14 slots in the electrical system well able to cope with armature’s iron core, this is an amazing piece the demands of normal service. Even with of design: the commutator allows mechanical everything switched on, the electrical power rectification to DC with no need for power required to sustain the car’s life did not hungry diodes. exceed the maximum output of a Lucas C40 Of course, setting aside the cost of dynamo (14Vx22A = 308 watts). manufacture, an alternator does have With their regulators, original Lucas another advantage over a dynamo: for the dynamos are true masterpieces of same size its output can be much higher than electromechanical engineering, perfectly 300W. In fact, a dynamo is totally unsuitable suited to the age, character and electrical for modern cars where power requirements requirements of our cars. On the other can now exceed 2500 watts, something we hand, they do have a major disadvantage: should all ponder bearing in the mind that we with their complicated armature, they are are supposed to be trying to save the planet. quite expensive things to manufacture. In A dynamo with a 150 amp output would marked contrast, an alternator is a cheaper require an impossibly massive armature and build with its fixed stator windings, simple an impossibly elaborate commutator. Alone, the heated seats in my wife’s modern SAAB rotating electromagnet and just a couple of would probably overwhelm a C40 dynamo. slip rings (no sophisticated commutator). But which came first, the chicken or the egg? An alternator’s big disadvantage is that it Was the rapid switch to alternators driven produces alternating current, useless for by cost or by the need for more electrical cars which require direct current to charge power? Is it possible that the dynamo’s their batteries. But once cheap silicon death knell was rung first by cost and then power diodes became available in the late by manufacturers saying ‘Hey! We have a bit 1960’s, allowing a brute force full wave three phase rectifier in an alternator – each with 1 Terry Horler ‘Original Sprite & Midget’ Bay View (typically) six silicon power diodes – dynamos Books Ltd 1994
14 In Defence of Dynamos
more electrical power here, let’s add some If your Midget or Sprite really does need extras – electric windows, seat heaters etc.” more than 300 watts of electrical power Personally, I suspect this last is very close to then yes, you need an alternator. But beware the truth. – one never gets anything for nothing. If But what is true for modern cars is not you take, say, 600 watts from an alternator true for most Sprites and Midgets. So, (42amps @14.3V), then due to its 60% why are we throwing away our valuable efficiency and the power loss of ca 100 and beautifully constructed dynamos and watts in the silicon diodes(!), you will be installing alternators? Have we installed taking about 1000 watts of power or about electric windows, heated seat cushions and 1.3 horsepower from your engine. Instead, power-operated hoods? Have we installed your car will be noticeably more powerful with its old dynamo and, incidentally, even a 100W stereo system and a large bank of 3 fog lamps? In short, how many of us have more powerful without a generator at all . actually exceeded the 300 watt limit of a C40 dynamo? As far as I can tell, not many. Mascot area reports indicate that most of us are content with a 100 mile run on a Sunday, ending with a leisurely picnic in the park or lunch at a Pub. Any original Lucas dynamo is extremely, prodigiously robust. Jack Aubrey would say ‘battleships ain’t in it’. But after many years of honourable service and (often) total neglect, any dynamo’s output will begin to drop because of worn brushes, bearings and bushes. The inevitable result is a failing electrical system, an inability to charge the battery, dim lights etc., a situation often exacerbated by poor/rusty A handful of small parts can rejuvenate a electrical connections, particularly poor Lucas C40 dynamo. Brushes alone will often earth connections2. Faced with this problem, I believe too many of us have paid too much do it, the felt washers and the little star attention to the advice in the chat rooms, retainer for the oiler felt can often be reused. then rushed out and purchased a shiny new Summing up, if your car still has its original alternator without putting their mind in gear. dynamo and voltage regulator then I urge you Instead, why not spend just a few bob and to retain them, stopping your ears against recondition your dynamo? New brushes, a the siren voices in the chat rooms. In the new front bearing and a new rear bush are all end, I doubt you will regret it. that’s usually necessary to revive properly a tired dynamo. As I have attempted to point out in previous It’s a simple and extremely rewarding job essays, somewhat as a voice in the for a home mechanic and I can recommend wilderness, the value of Sprites and Midgets it for therapeutic reasons. Mr Joseph Lucas which retain their original equipment is rising designed our dynamos to be serviced exponentially, much more quickly than those and he did an outstanding job: dynamo cars which bristle with modern modifications. reconditioning shops and exchange dynamos were ubiquitous in the 1960’s because it John E. Davies is much cheaper to fix a dynamo than to (Member 3443) [email protected] purchase a brand new one. Unlike cheap alternators which are often scrapped when they pop a diode, a properly serviced 3 The’Special Tuning Parts’ section of Parts List dynamo can outlive Methuselah. AKD_3566 for early Sprites and Midgets lists part C-AEA539 – a short fan belt for running without 2 See Mascot October 2014, page 10 dynamo.
15 Period Tuning Parts
rden Engineering and Sports Cars of Penn ALane, Tanworth-in-Arden, Solihull, Warks was founded in 1955 by Jim Whitehouse. Arden is most probably best remembered for the Arden 8 port cylinder head as adopted by B.M.C. Comps Dept / Special Tuning in 1967. But they also made other tuning parts, some for A-Series engined cars.
easily identified. Filing striations show where once raised letters PG were situated. Kent member Martin Ingall identified this manifold as a Paddy Gaston item. There were pictures on Martin’s website www.sebringsprite.co.uk Newsletter March & April 2015. Squadron Leader John Howard ‘Paddy’ Gaston raced a Sebring Sprite A combined tubular inlet / exhaust manifold RAM35 that he purchased from Daniel recently came to me. Who had made it? Richmond of Downton. Gaston was based at I was expecting to spend some time playing Albany Park Service Station, Richmond Road, detective in order to find out more about Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey. the manifold. My first ‘port of call’ was to Martin Ingall kindly put me in touch with Mark Forsters excellent website www.mk1- Dutchman Kees van Beijmerwerdt who has performance-conversions.co.uk where are to fitted such a manifold to his 948cc Sprite. be found details of many period tuning firms Kees has given permission to reproduce some well known whilst others never heard of some pictures of the manifold fitted to his or long forgotten. car. Starting at the A’s I looked at Alexander, Aley, Aquaplane and then ‘struck gold’ with Arden. There upon the cover of the Arden Catalogue, a copy of which is reproduced here by kind permission of Mark Forsters, was the manifold. Traces of metal sprayed aluminium on the manifold confirmed its parentage. Now that it has been identified what is to be done with it? As well as the Arden manifold a strange The manifold I have may find its way onto my alloy inlet manifold Sprite in due course! came to me. This Alan Anstead one was not so Kent Rep. www.masckent.org
16 17 I Can See Clearly Now
he job of giving my 1971 Mk111 Midget Once I decided that I was going to go ahead Tits annual service has, as the years gone the first job was to source materials, I needed by, become more of a chore as I get older hinges, bonnet catches, and fixings. The and the back does not bend quite so easily bonnet catches and rivnuts I got from Car as it used too. I look on jealously as those, Builder Solutions. The hinges and 10mm tube, at our local MASC meet, open their front for the bonnet stay, from B&Q, just happened hinged Frogeye bonnets and those who have to see them when I was buying some stuff for fibreglass front ends on Midgets, making the house, a bike brake cable from Halfords things so much easier to get at. So I thought and the rest of the materials I had lying about what could I do to come up with an answer? the garage. Searching google I came up with one picture (no doubt there are others) of a Midget in the US that had a front hinged bonnet, unfortunately it was the only picture I could find and taken at some distance, so no details of how it was done could be seen. This set me thinking how could I do something similar? I mentioned this to Alan Anstead at one of our meets and he said he had never seen it done or knew anyone who had done it. Many hours were spent measuring sketching and coming up with a design that could be feasible and also be converted back to standard should I or another owner wish, so consequently I have left the original bonnet opening cable and lock in place to make it easier for returning to original. Anyway I have done it, I now have a front hinged bonnet and as the title says I can see If anyone else wants to try here are the (everything) clearly now. There are areas at stages I went through, no it won’t read like a the back of the engine compartment that I Haynes manual. wonder how I ever managed to get to when I Removed the bonnet and measured fitted the servo. everything again to see if I came up with the same as the first time, “measure twice cut once” saves a lot of tears and or bad language. Removing the hinges from the body was a pain, the driver’s side is easy after removing the speedo, but the passenger’s side has almost no room to work and I was not going to remove the dash, I could just move the hinge bolt one flat at a time with a very short spanner, and lost only a small quantity of blood, of course it was tight all the way to the last thread. After slotting some of the holes to allow for adjustments; fitted the hinges to the slam I have to add that I hate removing the bonnet panel ensuring the pivot point was forward of unless it is absolutely necessary as it is such the grill. a job to get the shut lines about right, and Placed the bonnet back in position marked, takes two people to be sure of not damaging drilled and fitted rivnuts to the underside paintwork. I use the word about as these cars of the bonnet. Trial fitted it and the bonnet of ours never seem to have perfect shut lines. opened and closed with no problems.
18 I Can See Clearly Now
Getting the position of the locking pin right was difficult as it was a lot of trial and error so much so that I had to scrap one bracket as I managed to mark it and drill it out incorrectly. The bonnet lift spring in the middle of the However the bonnet wobbled about bulkhead is a temporary affair until I can find something alarming so had to make a couple something better as to remove the battery I of supports from the slam panel to the will have to remove the bracket first. bottom of the grill aperture to add rigidity to the slam panel Having got it all to work and the bonnet open and close without any problems I took the Made up two brackets to hold the bonnet whole thing apart to paint the brackets and catches these are just wider than the hinge components. I used an idea I saw in Car mounting apertures in the bulkhead. Builder Solutions catalogue of an old box, hang the parts inside and warm it all up with a hot air blower. It saves over spray getting everywhere in the garage and when the mist has cleared put the blower on again and it all dries very quickly. The paint job is not as good as I would have liked as I ran out of paint halfway through putting on a second coat.
I tried to use the existing bonnet release cable but found it was too short and would have been difficult to bring it round to run flush with the scuttle panel. So had to get another cable and have a second thought about how to release the bonnet. There is now a second bonnet release lever on the I can now do my annual service without so passenger’s side fixed above the parcel shelf. much difficultly and banging my head on the Having fitted it all I tested the release and bonnet closing several times before attaching the Advert plug: the F you see in the background locking pins and brackets to the bonnet. If of the first pic is 1998 (S plate) for sale it did not release cleanly you can all see the @£1200 ono presently on SORN over the problem. winter. Making up the locking pins I used two 8mm All told this has taken me a week of on-off bolts and turned the heads down on my lathe work and cost less than £30. and then set about making the brackets. Mike Pearson
19 CeNTRE ● SPREaD The Sprite Week
ifty five years ago (Feb 1961) the the dealers taking part in the promotion, and Fproduction line for the Mk1 Sprite had just some other dealerships such as the Donald closed, although the last right hand drive Healey Motor Co. also placed their own Frogeye had actually rolled off the Abingdon separate adverts promoting Sprite Week. production line a couple of months earlier As can be seen (the line had been mainly producing knock from these adverts down export kits since). However BMC still Sprite Week was had a large stockpile of assembled Mk1 actually a double Sprites that were sitting in the compound edged marketing awaiting sale. promotion – ‘the man who doesn’t own a Sprite’ was offered a free test drive (hoping for a new sale) and ‘the man who owns a Sprite’ was offered a free service (no doubt to harvest their details From The Autocar 10th and to check out March 1961 whether they may be interested in an upgrade when the Mk2 was released). On the morning of the 10th March some (c) British Motor Industry Heritage Trust unfortunate employee of Austin’s Longbridge Sales Dept. was sent to face the infamous Conscious that the Mk2 was going to queues at Birmingham’s Oozells Street motor be announced in May, BMC ‘s marketing tax office to register six brand new demo department decided to co-ordinate a one-off Sprites, 2 in Leaf Green, 2 in Cherry Red and ‘Sprite Week’ promotion from the 13th to 2 in Nevada Beige. Due to the different paint the 20th March 1961. This was a large scale colours the 6 cars had non-consecutive AN5 promotion including most of the regional serial numbers (47463 & 64, 47736 & 37, dealerships as well as Austin’s own Longbridge 48510 & 11) but did end up with consecutive Sales Dept, with the main focus on selling off memorable number plates – ‘382 DOC’ to all the remaining stock of the Mk1. ‘387 DOC’. In each case the car’s first owner The national press was still the preferred was logged as ‘Austin Motor Company Ltd, method of communication at that time so full Sales Dept, Longbridge’. These demo cars page adverts naturally had all the most common ‘options’ were placed fitted – heater, rev. counter, windscreen in ‘The Motor’ washer, front bumper, toughened windscreen on March 8th, and tonneau cover. and in both the ‘Daily Sprite Week appears to have been a success Express’ and and most of the remaining Mk1 stockpile ‘The Autocar’ was quickly sold off prior to the May on March announcement of the Mk2, which in turn was 10th 1961. shortly followed by the June announcement ‘The Motor’ of the rebadged Midget Mk1. also featured After Sprite week was over four of the DOC an additional cars were sold off as ‘second hand’ to the double page Car Mart main dealership in London. However ’Spring in a the two Nevada White cars (386 DOC and Sprite’ advert 387 DOC) were returned to Longbridge and listing many of From Autosport secretly fitted with the tweaked Mk2 ‘9CG’
20 CeNTRE ● SPREaD The Sprite Week
engine. BMC wanted to endurance test the Of these 7 Frogeye ex-works DOCs at least first production line versions of this upgraded 4 are thought to have survived. ‘385 DOC’ engine, as although still at 948cc it now was shipped to the USA in 1988 and is now had a new camshaft, larger inlet valves, owned by Randy Docstader, who proudly double valve springs and the option of higher still keeps the UK number plate on display compression (9:1) via using flat topped as, due to his surname, ‘Doc’ has been pistons. The gearbox now also used the his lifelong nickname! ‘386 DOC’ was fully close-ratio gear set and the carbs were also restored in 2007 and, now Cherry Red with changed from SU H1 to HS2. After fitting various upgrades (mildly tuned 1275 engine, the new engine, the two cars were sent off HIF44 carb, Frontline front suspension), is across the Channel and embarked on a long now my ‘fast road’ Frogeye. continental test run to try out all 3 of the extra horsepower! Naturally in later years large numbers of Frogeyes have been converted to later engines and HS2 carbs, but I wonder how many other new Frogeyes got a new engine upgrade within their first couple of weeks! After the successful long distance tests the cars returning to the UK and were also eventually sold off as second hand to Car Mart in July 1961. That is not quite the end of the Longbridge registered DOCs story, as one more earlier Before restoration (in original Nevada Beige) car (AN5/46807) had been built as an Iris Blue ‘non-runner’ for the October 1960 Earls Court Show, and was exhibited at the show on the Pressed Steel stand to demonstrate their pressed panel manufacturing capabilities. After the show the vehicle was returned to the factory and fully fitted out, and was then registered as ‘918 DOC’ on 30th March. This presumably tells us that between 10th and 30th March 1961 the Oozells St. office registered at least 600 new cars, a rate of 40 per working day. After restoration (now Cherry Red)
Do you know the location of the other surviving Sprite Week DOCs? Clive Seager Member 5003, [email protected]. Bath
Acknowledgement: The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust has kindly given permission to quote BMIHT data in this article. This data is taken from the AN5 Production Records and Abingdon Sales Ledgers held by BMIHT and all data within these records in the property 385 DOC, now in the USA of BMIHT who reserve all rights to this data.
21 The Front Wheel Bearing Saga!
The Hub
e are very fortunate that most 11MJT17 / 39LJT25 Wcomponents we require for our cars are still available, either in full original specification or as “repro” parts, although the quality of the latter can be variable. Unless the quality is beyond acceptability, there is an argument that suggests that being able to buy something to fit even if the detail specification is incorrect, is better than no availability what so ever. Sometimes however, the functionality of replacement parts is questionable and over the last few years Bulletin Board threads have concerned themselves at great lengths with the suitability of the current range of front The first problem is linked to a manufacturing wheel bearing kits for Sprites and Midgets. issue in the machining of the original stub This has provoked a great deal of discussion axles. At the inner end of the axle a step is and perhaps a little incomprehension of provided against which the inner bearing the issues involved. For those who may sits. The corner between the face of the step have missed all the “excitement” here and the axle shaft has a small radius, which is a summary of the problems which is there to reduce engineering stress at that may be encountered and news of recent point since a sharp corner will cause higher developments to resolve the supply problem. stress locally and could lead to failure. The original bearings fitted in the factory The bearing needs to clear the radius in were angular contact ball races. This type order for it to be pushed home against of bearing is designed to take the side load the step and so the bearing cannot have generated during cornering, as well as a a square corner on the inside edge. The radial load resulting from vehicle weight, original specification bearing had a larger bumps and so on. These bearings are than standard radius machined on the edge intended to be used in pairs as each one can of the inner race to ensure there would be only resist side loads in one direction, and adequate clearance. must be assembled the correct way round. Modern bearings have a smaller radius so The original bearings, made by RHP were there is a chance that if your spindle has often numbered 11MJT17 and 39LJT25. Until fairly recently there were “new old stock” bearings to be found and probably some still lurk in dusty stores. In general however, they and hen’s teeth have rarity in common. There are modern equivalents to these bearings although how equal these are is open to interpretation. There are two standards in the specification which does appear to have been changed from the original and which are significant. The spindle 22 The Front Wheel Bearing Saga!
a “generous” fillet radius (it seems to vary The complication is that the “correct” a bit) the bearing will not seat properly. spacer length will depend on the tolerances. This can lead to play in the whole assembly Because the spacer between the inner but equally important (particularly with races controls their assembled position, disk brakes) the alignment of the brake this spacer needs to be adjusted to take components is thrown out. With disks this into account the tiny variations in “correct” can mean that the disk itself is not centred in face alignment. In reality this would mean the calliper causing problems when replacing adding or removing shims. Not “simple” the pads. assembly! So the idea of face adjusted bearing was adopted. By making the bearing The more complex issue concerns something components with greater than normal called “face adjustment”. The bearings precision, the range of misalignment can be consist of an inner race, outer race and reduced to the extent that a single spacer balls (plus cage to keep the rolling elements length can accommodate the two extremes correctly spaced). Because these are angular without causing unacceptable looseness or contact bearings, manufacturing variances tightness. (tolerances) affect the axial alignment of one race with the other. If the bearing isn’t face adjusted then some standard non-face adjusted bearings will If you imagine that a vertical face of the be near enough “spot on” not to cause outer race is the datum, the corresponding any problems. If the tolerances all go the position of the face of the inner race may be wrong way, the standard spacer may be too dead in line or a little forward or back. The long or too short making the wheel tight or more precisely the makers can control the wobbly loose. Statistically, probably most accuracy of the manufacturing, the smaller bearings will be “near enough” but the rest the variation in this alignment. So how does will show these problems. To get this right, this matter? it is necessary to shorten the spacer or add shims, depending on which way the variation When the bearings fit in the hub the space has affected the alignment – not practical for between the two outer races is fixed by the cheap factory assembly. steps in the hub which position the outer Modern face adjusted bearings are available races. The gap between the two inner races but without the larger corner radius, so fall is controlled by the outer races but this will short on the ideal specification. Recently vary by small amounts according to the however a manufacturer of medical manufacturing precision. So the gap needed equipment who is also a Sprite owner has between the inner races might need to be a addressed this problem using his machine bit more than the outer races or a bit less. shop facilities and has carefully increased Since a fixed length spacer tube is fitted the existing radius on modern face adjusted between the inside faces of the two inner bearings to resolve the problem. The good races, the end result may be excessive free news is that the correct face adjusted (SKF) play, or tightness. bearings with the necessary larger inner radius can be purchased from Heritage Car When Austin Healey designed the hub Parts or through a few of our usual suppliers. assembly, they had to decide how to cope with this variation. They needed to make When fitting the bearing set, remember that assembly in the factory a simple, quick the spacer needs to be the correct length, operation. For the bearings to perform which is 1.500”. A new seal is best fitted at correctly they need to be “squashed” up the same time. Also wear in the hub or stub axially, in a controlled way, to take out any axle can cause problems which could be play. This means aligning the inner and outer wrongly attributed to poor bearings! faces in such a way that all the play is just Graeme Williams taken up. A single fixed length spacer would (Kent) be unable to meet the variations resulting from wide manufacturing tolerances in the Bearing images (C) and thanks to Danny Cusworth bearings. www.opposite-locksmith.blogspot.co.uk
23 Dorset Area Report
John’s Jottings Ian Beaver is tying up all the loose ends to ensure another good event for the club. Any Well our AGM in early February saw a dozen MASC Areas wishing to attend will be most or so stalwarts assemble at our monthly welcome to join us. meeting venue, St. Peters Finger, who had generously flung their doors open for With a modest entry charge (most of which us some two hours ahead of their official is passed to charity) of just £5 per car if opening time! pre-booked we have entry forms available from Ian at: [email protected] On Most Committee members stood for re- the day there will be live music, trade stands, election with Clive Pakenham having to stand cake stall, Tombola and Jarbola, as well as all down but with two new members stepping the attractions of the Park itself – tea rooms, forward to join us, Colin Morris and Dave restaurant, miniature railway and crazy golf. Brooks. After the formalities of the AGM The main Dolphin shopping centre is a short some of us ventured down to Poole Park, walk away. scene of this year’s planned Classics in the Park event, for what was optimistically We already have a number of events in the called a ‘photoshoot’ to gather images for Dorset club calendar and also plan to try and promotion of the event. get out more – yes I know! Having heard from David Clarkson of the Devon Area MASC Although we were greeted with the sun in about plans to meet up on Drive it Day at the ‘wrong’ place and a torrential downpour Haynes Motor Museum we will try to support the mission was successful as witness the that and get a few of our cars there. picture above showing the area which we hope to fill with classics on the 30 May. Above: Classics in the Park
24
25 Scotland Area Report
With Rally legend Willie Cave in the bowler hat Carlo, others do John O’Groats to Paisley, Paisley to Dumfries; or for locals Paisley to t this time last year I had decided to Balmaha at Loch Lomond. go along to the departure of the Rallye A There was a great number and variety of Monte-Carlo Historique at Paisley, which is cars, with an Austin Healey Sprite driven by J fairly close to where I live. The weather on Gibbon and an Austin Healey 3000 driven by the day was very cold with a few inches of D Gordon, who lives locally and has not too snow, so I stayed at home and cooried up long ago completed the restoration of the big to the Rusty One in the garage instead. This beast. year, the weather was much better, so I nipped along to view proceedings. I was especially taken by an Austin A35 (top) which was going all the way to Monte Carlo; it was heavily modified though, and did have a 1275 engine. Oh well! Maybe next year, if the Rusty One is finished. On that topic, the promised weldathon in January did not happen, largely due to a niggly problem with the Morris Traveller which is due its M.O.T. – but more probably sheer laziness on my part. All was not lost however, as the back axle is going to the local college to get pinholes in the differential casing either welded or brazed. The aluminium piece that the differential gears bolt onto needs a piece of aluminium welded on, so I will get the experts to do that as well. The Austin Sprite or (Non Frog) will A band of special cars started from John also be having its engine taken out shortly O’Groats (one of the original starting points to facilitate further welding, so it should be a for the Monte Carlo Rally) to celebrate the busy month. 1926 victory of the Rally by Victor Bruce in a two-seater AC, who started at that point. Finally can I thank all the Austin Sprite owning After travelling the 300 miles to Paisley they club members who replied to my e-mail, your joined up with the main group. replies proved very helpful and re-enforced my views of the helpful and friendly nature of The route takes them to an overnight stop our club in Dumfries; then on to Hull for the ferry to Zeebrugge; then on to Rheims and then an Graham Smith overnight drive through the Alps into Monte Tel: 0141 954 8276 Carlo. Some cars do the whole rally to Monte Email: [email protected]
26 Bristol Area Report
hose members of MASC who read our monthly reports in Mascot, may be aware of the Tsomewhat unlikely fantasy land that the BoB group appear live in under the auspices of our leader Terry Horler. Tales of Gertrude, the village idiot, calling the fire brigade and the exploits of the Pucklechurch Pounders to name but a few. This month’s report is from an anonymous member (to protect the innocent and vulnerable), as for reasons unexplained our glorious leader was absent from our February meeting, and so it came to pass that the six members who attended: John, David, Alan, Glyn, Jeff and I had free reign for the evening. It was like being let out of prison – but only on parole. In his absence however, Terry had decreed that certain points needed to be observed and certain tasks fulfilled, so I will report on those here. I can confirm we held a (dis)respectful two minutes silence in Terry’s absence – yes all of us were silent for the whole two minutes. In his edict TH noted that a burnt out combine harvester (in February?) was blocking the road to deter invaders to Pucklechurch, therefore making our proposed meeting rather difficult to attend, hence the low turnout. Colin had refused to travel to the meeting, stating it was a tad too far to bother with this month, nonsense, this will be reported to TH. I consider it irrelevant Colin was in Australia enjoying 30C weather and he should have made the effort. That’s a black mark against your record Colin, and probably a fine. We dutifully spent some time evaluating the very comprehensive events calendar produced by Jeff to decide which events we might attend this year, and we came to a consensus that we will attend some events this year, at those times when none of us are: “walking the tortoise, ironing the grass or painting the water butt” Terrys words not mine. On Terry’s return in March we have been warned that there will be a fines box for excessive talking and/or mention of non-Spridget topics – especially BMW i3 and MKI Ford Escort; these will incur a higher fine. I’d like to go on record here Terry that we did as instructed and took advantage of “free” speech at our February meeting in your absence, to try and get all thoughts of the above cars out of our minds prior to March’s imposed fines box. Most Just a couple of fun things which the Bristol of the evening was spent discussing charging the Area members get up to on a weekly basis BMW or trying to start the Escort. Oh yes, I think Spridget braking was mentioned at some point. He runs a tight ship does Terry, it’s back to the grindstone next month fellow BoB Mascoteers; gruel and water not beer and crisps. Do any other areas have such hard taskmasters? Replies to our Editor please. If anyone should consider braving a meeting, being initiated in to the group (once you’re in, you’re in for life – no seriously you are) please feel free to come along on the second Wednesday of the month to the Rose and Crown, Pucklechurch where you’ll be made to feel most welcome – by the landlord. In time honoured tradition I’ll leave it to our accomplished Editor Gary to come up with a suitably obscure image to accompany this report. Member 666 Bristol area member’s faces have been disguised to protect their identities
27 Somerset Happenings
here have all the ‘Spridgets’ gone? With 1950s. The run home was punctuated by a Wthe rather wet winter it was not really visit to the Craft Centre at Broadwindsor for surprising that they were tucked up nice afternoon tea and cakes. and dry in garages throughout the area, and therefore the January run was made The Haynes Motor Museum, Nr. Yeovil hosts up with our other vehicles. Never the less a breakfast club meeting on the first Sunday we had planned a run to the seaside and each month. This is a great opportunity to that is exactly what we did. Starting off with just turn up in something interesting for a a hearty breakfast at one of our favoured brew/breakfast/bacon roll and a time to haunts, Barleymows Farm Shop, Chard, catch up with friends from around the area. we headed off along some of the more February’s meeting was supported as usual picturesque roads to Axminster and Lyme with many exotic cars and a splattering Regis eventually arriving at West Bay. Parking of rarer older ones, including an Imp- up on the harbour side, used for the BBC based Commer van, which had been nicely series Harbour Lights and Broadchurch, we transformed into a Husky estate. found a small Café for hot drinks before a walk along the East Pier. The wind was quite Among the exotica were a number of bracing but at least there was no rain for the American muscle machines, Nissan GTRs, group photos. Aston Martins and several TVRs as well as the 911s and modern hot hatches. MG was The beach area in the photo was used by represented by a solitary blue BGT. I decided the BBC for filming the opening sequence to give the Chimera its first airing of the of the series ‘The Fall and Rise of Reginald year having been using the MG most weeks Perrin’. This whole area falls within an since November for local trips and classic ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and gatherings. the East beach itself forms one end of the Chesil Bank, a barrier beach which extends Valerie has distributed details of events southeast for 18 miles toward the Isle of around the West Country for the first six Portland. months of the year and has already booked The cliff clearly shows the multitude of our place(s) for a few of the more popular layered deposits first laid down during shows including a club stand at Haselbury the latter part of the early Jurassic period Mill gathering in April and the Pecorama with the cliff faces all along the Lyme Bay Classic Meeting at Beer in May; maybe some Jurassic coast being fairly unstable resulting of the Devon Area members would like to join in frequent land slips. The beach area at us there. West Bay looks very different today from that I remember from my childhood in the Peter Young
28 East Anglian MASC Report
s I write this we have snow, which should Abe good practice as I am off to Finland in a couple of days, but is actually very unwelcome as its very cold working in the Sprite cave. I managed to get to the FBI meeting this month, but too cold for going by proper transport. It was especially important to attend as I still had Graham’s wire wheels to deliver (having collected them from the MGB- Hive last month). Also I had received an email from Colin, who is just starting to rebuild a The original pipe and a couple of offerings from HAN-10 Sprite, and wanted to come to the the usual suspects meeting. The HAN-10 was the facelift model and the pipe at the joints between the rubber and last of the Austin Healey Sprites before the steel sections. I bought a braided stainless Austin Sprite, which is probably the rarest steel one-piece aftermarket replacement car of them all. Incidentally a local East pipe as I have not been able to find a correct Anglian member has a very nice one of these replacement. Austin Sprites for sale at the moment, so initially contact me if interested. The problem I had with the MK II was that the distributor vacuum housing was in the way of the straight connector on the braided pipe. In the end I just used a section of the over length rubber version in the photo to replace the thicker but crumbling heat hardened original rubber pipe.
Derek suggested the car could have been fitted with the incorrect distributor, and I wondered if the MK II differed in some way to the later cars in this area, and my aftermarket part was therefore not suitable. Robert’s Beautiful and rare Austin Sprite On further investigation it seems that I do I arrived at the FBI a little late having spent have the incorrect distributor although (after most of the day on one of those five-minute consulting Mr Horler) it seems this may not jobs that leads to ten other jobs and takes all be the cause, and most likely the culprit is an day, and we do this for fun! incorrectly positioned distributor drive shaft, February is traditionally our month of lowest what a brilliant resource this club is! attendance at the FBI meetings, so it’s good to welcome new faces, especially those with I have booked a stand at Kinbolton classic interesting projects. I had brought along and Mick is currently finalising the 2016 Terry’s book and this was eagerly scrutinised events list. for HAN-10 info. It was good to see Gordon and Derek having See you all at the oldest Inn in England and not seen them for a while, and to pick their far beyond. brains about my five-minute job. I have an oil leak on the MK II Sprite, which I think may be Dave Dixon (AKA Red Leader) coming from the original oil pressure gauge [email protected]
29 QUALITY SPRITES & MIDGETS ALWAYS WANTED Especially Frogeye and Pre-74 cars We specialise in selling quality Vintage & Classic Motor Cars and the above have always been a particular passion. We are located between Petersfield and Alton in Hampshire, between the A3 & A32 in the beautiful South Downs National Park.
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30 Heart of England Report
t has been a very quiet month for our They also gave no guidance to what happens Ivehicular activities since the last report, to the remaining wires when the warning however on the social front there have been light and power feed had been connected two significant events which demonstrate once the Regulator is removed. Also the how the ownership of a Midget/Sprite keeps instruction to start the engine before us young. Sheila Yates celebrated her 70th attaching the negative connection to the Birthday in mid January and Barrie Smithson battery left me puzzled. Fortunately I had the celebrated his 80th Birthday a little later sense to refer to Alan Anstead’s article in the in the month and as you can see from the July 2011 edition of Mascot, which details pictures it is hard to believe they were not at the procedure in simple and understandable least ten years younger! terms.
As I anticipate moving the wiring with the fusebox on the bulkhead to make room for a heater (only then will Sheila be a happy passenger!), the wiring shown in the photograph is strictly a temporary measure whilst I consider how to neaten it up.
As far as the cars were concerned, apart I suspect that this will not happen before from a few hardy souls turning out for the MG Show & Spares Day at Stoneleigh on Barrie’s celebration, the majority remain cosy February 21st where my car will be hiding at in their winter slumbers waiting for the rain the back of our stand. to abate. This provides the ideal opportunity for The January area meeting had considered servicing and in my case updating the the events for 2016 which were summarised aforementioned vehicles. I decided to on a spreadsheet compiled by Dave Puzey convert “Newt” (IOW Frogeye) from Dynamo for us to ponder. The Silverstone Classic was to Alternator and as Moss were offering a kit the most discussed with Donington being for less than £100, I ordered said item and proposed as an alternative. removed my Dynamo in anticipation. A number of new items such as the Having completed this procedure on my Worcester Border Run on 2nd April being previous Mk 4 Sprite without any external considered. Details of all these events guidance I was somewhat confused by the have been circulated by our “Internet Moss instructions which commenced by Communications Co-ordinator” Dave detailing the conversion from positive to Colclough. negative earth and then showed all the circuit diagrams with positive earths! Chris Yates
31 Kent Report
East Kent Meet – Andy Chandler confirmed his entry for our 5th Miglia Tour 9–21 Sept. He and Mark 10th January 2016 Mathews, living near Dover, prefer a Dover / Calais Ferry so I will provide them a route and For this month’s East Kent meet several they will join the main group at Compiegne from west Kent making the journey, met at for the first night. Farthings Corner Motorway service area. Costas provided Cappuccinos with a Frog I am still awaiting details of Montlhery shaped chocolate sprinkle. How apt! Heritage 10-13 June, where we hope to meet with Spridget Club de France & Historic GP Poor Ron led our small convoy. Still ‘running’ Le Puy de Notre Dame 20–26 July before in, his luck again ran out. Motoring along planning more for these tours. I have planned quite smoothly I saw a sudden cloud appear, the routes but await confirmation of dates and immediately disappear beneath his before firm booking of Hotels & Ferries can Frogeye. Pulling over and inspection showed be made. the rear core plug to have taken its leave of Meanwhile destinations for this year’s the engine. Ron arranged recovery whilst the Old Boys runs were discussed. Some of remaining went on to John Clark’s address the MASC ladies seeing the Kent Area for him, and Carole, to lead us to the Crown sweatshirts worn by several males placed at Sarre. orders for our most fashionable attire. Clive the landlord had set out, and reserved Clearly this year Vivienne Westwood is out for us, two long tables that catered for the and Dave Chalk is so ‘in’. twenty one persons eating. The food here Richard Beer told us that he recently had a is judged favourably by all. Crispin dropped tradesman visit his home and mention of the in, bringing his IOW Frogeye, to say “Hello” Midget & Sprite Club was made. Apparently having to dash to another commitment. the tradesman mistakenly thought the club was for dwarves! Perhaps he also thinks the Mel reported 34 people so far for the IOW Austin Healey Club is for rugby players? weekend 22–25 April. Anyone wanting to come please contact me and messages will Kent Meet – 24th January 2016 be forwarded unless, of course, you have his contact details then contact him direct. As The weather forecast didn’t look too bad 24th April should be the main MASC meeting for the time of the year. No rain and a rise at Addington so that meet is now cancelled. in temperature. When I pulled back the
32 Kent Report bedroom curtains and surveyed my domain some talk, asymmetric or asthmatic. I’d through bleary eye on the Sunday morn fit this but he’d fit that. So confused poor the sky told me not a lot. Top on or no top? John’s head was spinning and he needed a Sebring replica or Frogeye? I would take a lay down. chance on the ‘No rain’ forecast. Darren brought a Lotus and a photograph of I pulled on my uniform (Kent MASC his new alloy bonnet for his E-Type Jaguar. sweatshirt) and breakfasted on hot crumpets, with chunky Marmalade, to ward Has anyone counted exactly how many cars off the cold. Then as the clock chimed for he owns? Has he found the Brinks Mat hoard the eleventh hour I drove to the first main or is he the ‘missing man’ from the recent Kent meet of the year. Hatton Garden heist It was warm enough for top down driving without a jacket even through the mist and Mel & Barb were in their 1500; its rebuilt damp encountered at Wrotham. For once I engine sounding sweet. Never mind Barb was not the first to arrive. Dave Chalk was perhaps Santa will bring those Le Creuset unable to come in his IOW Frogeye as it had saucepans next Christmas. Mel updated become imprisoned by the build materials of us on the Isle of Wight Tour with thirty four his new garage / diner. people, and eighteen Sprites and Midgets, so far. Ian and Bernadette were in their Mini Cooper the Midget being without its engine. Their Dress for the evening meal is not ‘black engine builder Gary Puxty came in his Lotus tie’ but black Kent MASC T or Sweatshirt as ‘Ratty’ his Midget receives new paintwork so there was a long queue with Dave Chalk delayed no doubt by the queue of Kent taking orders. That, as they say, was that for members waiting as he builds their engines. this month. Having helped Ron Edwards remove and refit his Sprite’s engine on Monday ever the gallant Knight he decided not to chance a breakdown with lady fair Marilyn at his side. Upcoming events Another leaving behind his car questioning reliability was Mick, accompanied by Monica, 1) April 10 Cote de Kent run – Coastal our Essex based members. They had drive finishing at Sarre for East Kent meet. braved distance and the Dartford Crossing! Contact Kent rep. Who had come the furthest? Ron & Marilyn 2) April 22-25 Isle of Wight Tour contact had come from South London whilst, dry Mel Collins [email protected] (places weather, Vic Barker comes from Sussex. filling fast). Advance warning the monthly Hardy Kentish types John Clark & Carole meet on 24th April is CANCELLED due to the brought the Frogeye from Herne Bay whilst above. Mark Mathews, in Sprite, lives but a tad closer. A first time new member Derek Harris 3) June 10 – 13 Montlhery Heritage. drove via the lanes all the way from Romney Meet with Spridget Club de France at the Marsh. Was he the furthest travelled? Take historic motor race circuit south of Paris. Odometer readings next time all. Contact Kent rep. Another dry weather man Graeme Williams was without his Frogeye. Mike and Anita 4) July 20-26 Historic GP Le Puy de Pearson are all weather, and regular, Notre Dame nr Saumur, France. Contact attendees in their Spridget. John Le Mar was Kent Rep. of the no engine brigade: he made the error of asking the ‘experts’ what camshaft to fit 5) September 9-21 5th Miglia Tour. This into his new build. year run solely within France. Contact Kent Rep. (a few places still available). A123 or a 456! What about a high torque or a low torque, the subject certainly generated Alan Anstead Kent Rep.
33 Kent Extra The Sad Demise of the ‘Click’ on’tcha just hate most modern cars. Use the remote key and you’ll get a ‘beep’ then once Dinside the featureless plastic space your ears will be subjected to all manner of ‘whistles and bells’. Passenger seat belt not on; door ajar; reversing distance alarm (don’t they teach drivers to reverse anymore?); to name but a few. No doubt in the not too distant future a voice will explain where the doors are in case of evacuation. Having said that – there is one subtle sound to be heard, on a Frogeye that is heading toward extinction. When operating the direction indicators, using the dashboard mounted non self cancelling switch, warning of operation is given by a green light mounted, once again, on the dashboard but in front of the driver. A further indication of operation has been given by the subtle ‘click’ of the electrical contacts inside the direction indicator relay switch situated before the driver, but on the under bonnet bulkhead. Alas no more! According to supplier Minispares modern replacement relays have printed circuits so there are Internals of an original direction indicator no opening and closing contacts to sound the ‘click’. relay
Flywheel Brake Just recently a Kent member’s engine had to come out for work. The clutch cover, plate, and flywheel were to be removed. The security of the crankshaft nut was also to be checked. All these engine parts when being removed or tightened on a built up engine create a problem. How to stop the components revolving? Having encountered the problem many times in the past I have made a simple tool that when attached to the engine back plate engages the starter ring teeth and stops the flywheel, and crankshaft to which it is attached revolving, so that the necessary bolts can be tightened and torqued easily. I think the pictures are self explanatory. Flywheel locking tool
With the 1098cc engine removed it was possible to inspect the roller thrust race that I had developed for this particular engine size. So far – so good! Alan Anstead Kent Rep.
34 Kent Extra Yorks Area Report
can’t remember the last North Yorkshire I MASC meeting where the sun came out. It seems that the weather is somewhat against us at the moment! This February meeting included a Kia, a Honda and a Mazda, so a good showing from the Asian manufacturers. As mentioned elsewhere, the North Yorkshire meeting is now scheduled for the first Saturday of each month, partly because it gives me half a chance to write something in time for the Mascot deadline. We’ve also got a more southerly breakfast meet going on the third Sunday of each month. This is currently at the Courtyard Cafe in Wormersley, they do great breakfast. As the weather warms up things will get a bit busier, one thing to keep an eye on is the possibility of a Scatter Rally, as suggested and organised by Edward, the landlord of the Nag’s Head. I’ll keep you all updated as this progresses. I’ve also been in touch with the Yorkshire MGCC and have invites for their runs, so as and when they arrive I’ll let you know! Also look out for drive it day activities, team K-series will be in Wales but as I write, a plan is hatching for a joint drive it day in North Derbyshire, again, details to follow. I hope that we get a bit more sunshine soon, and see you out and about in your cars! Rob
35 Essex Area Report
olin & Elaine Blackford upheld Essex work on the blue road Midget. It has always Chonours on the London Bridges Run had a noisy first gear but it has gradually as the planned group attendance failed to worsened over the last couple of years. So materialise, due to the forecasted heavy rain. I removed the gearbox for reconditioning However, they found everyone welcoming by Hardy Engineering who had rebuilt a sc/ and thoroughly enjoyed their first LBR in the cr ‘box for the Ashley, as well as replacing company of a selection of Spridgets and the diffs on both cars over the last couple various Lotus cars. Luckily, they managed of years. Lady Luck must have been with me to sort out a problem with the wipers at the recently as the release bearing had almost halfway stop as heavy rain was endured in completely worn away. the second half and on the run home from Richmond. I have busy working on both my Midgets. After hearing a worrying mechanical noise from the clutch bellhousing of the Ashley track car, the starter was suspected as the cause and removed. Further investigation revealed the starter ring had a run out so the engine and gearbox were removed to confirm the starter ring had moved 3mm on the lightened flywheel. It was dispatched to Peter May Engineering for refitting and pegging The worn release bearing which entails drilling and fitting a grub screw to lock the ring to the flywheel to prevent movement in the future. When refitting the The January monthly meeting mainly revolved gearbox, I modified the clutch slave cylinder around planning events for the forthcoming a la Anstead [cut the upper mounting hole year. Area Rep Gary had asked members to into a slot] to aid future maintenance. bring both their new 2016 diaries and ideas With the engine and gearbox refitted, it was so we could plan the monthly runs. great to get The season will start in with April by behind the supporting a National Drive it Day event wheel again organised by a local classic car club. Events and I look continue on a monthly basis until October forward to with a repeat of the popular Santa Run in booking my December. In July, we plan to use Darren’s next track instructions for a summer version of the day outing. London Bridges Run. Additionally, we again With the work will be arranging a weekend away and of on the Ashley course the annual Christmas dinner. New for completed, 2016 will be a couple of evening runs to be I decided to Moved starter ring held as part of our regular monthly meeting. All in all, a busy season ahead. Taking advantage of the quieter months, some members have been catching on maintenance and upgrade tasks. Tony Bending has stripped his much travelled Ashley fronted Sprite in preparation for a respray – it remains to be seen if it will again include his ‘signature’ white stripe down the middle of the car. See elsewhere in this month’s Mascot for part.1 of a special feature on Tony’s car. Newly pegged starter ring Doug Plumb
36 Central Report
everything so it will fit in the car and even asked if I was taking my spare wheel. That way he could leave his behind and create even more space for his creature comforts. Now that’s planning. Mechanical planning was also under way in another part of the room as Gary was telling us all about his five speed gearbox swop. Having seen the pictures of a lot of cogs and bearings in a box, I think Gary is in for a few late nights putting it all back together but I’m sure he’s up to the challenge.
John Clarke’s Sprite t’s always nice to receive an e-mail from our Imembership guru Stuart Watson, especially when it means we have a new member. However this time the new member had contacted me even before Stuart’s e-mail had chance to pop into my inbox. Can I Also at the meeting was Keith Jewkes. come to your meetings? I’ve just joined. So Because Keith lives halfway between the new member John Clarke joined us for our Central and Heart of England meetings February meeting explaining how he has he just goes to them both. I think that’s been busy finishing his Frogeye restoration called getting the best out of your MASC which due to other things in his life has taken membership. longer than expected. Eighteen years longer in fact! I’m sure when you take a look at the Keith had the idea for a Drive it Day trip on picture of John’s car you will see all the effort the 24th of April. He was duly consigned the has been well worthwhile. John was soon in job of organiser. I wonder who suggested deep conversation with Justin who also has that. Keith’s idea is to encourage as many a Frogeye adding to a growing number of MASC members from around our local areas Central members who own the head turning to get together for Drive it Day. little cars. As I tap this out on my keyboard I know Keith Elsewhere in the has already been in touch with Notts/Derby, meeting I spied Heart of England, and Yorkshire reps and Steve once the provisional plan is to meet at Carsington again staring Water in Derbyshire late morning / lunchtime at an app on with the possible option of a drive to the his phone. National Brewing centre in Burton on Trent in “Problem Steve” the afternoon. I enquired? Five Once plans are confirmed Keith with the months, two help of the area reps will put out all the days, fourteen information of where and what time to meet. hours, 35 I’m sure I don’t have to say that all MASC minutes. Le members would be very welcome on the day Mans Classic, he if you fancy joining in. just can’t wait. He’s already Dave Warren planned the Central MASC. route, weighed Email: [email protected]
37 Notts & Derby Report – and little bits of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
Richard’s 5-speed box ready to go in Here’s looking to meeting more members in the area this year, as your support means Richard Wharmby’s 1500 MASC can have a greater presence at events in your area. This year’s Christmas meal at Horsley Lodge Golf club was a great success with a further Not content with the usual dust down and oil increase in numbers on last year to 35! We change, Richard and Ian are locked in battle definitely need to look for somewhere even to see who can get their engine and box out bigger in preparation for next year if we and back in before Drive it Day. continue to grow, although the food and Ian failed to make it all the way on last year’s hospitality is very good at this venue. outing to Yorkshire to meet up with the more northern members of our area at Womersley The North Notts + South Yorks area due to a rattling and water leak from his meetings which we started towards the engine. end of last year continue on a regular basis into 2016 (the third Sunday morning of The necessity to remove his troublesome each month). I made the run to just north of gearbox has led to a number of upgrades, Doncaster before Christmas to meet up with not least a new water pump, and at long last a small group of members at The Courtyard he has opted for a Peter Burgess unleaded Tea Room in Womersley, and again the food cylinder head which he hopes to have back and service couldn’t be faulted. on soon. Richard meanwhile is looking to get even better running from his 100+bhp car by fitting a Ford 5-speed gearbox. So the gloves are off – or back on again… After all the seasonal festivities preparations for the 2016 season are moving forward in earnest. The annual Autokarna at Wollaton Park is on Sunday 5th June. Let’s see if we can get an even bigger paddock full of cars this year! Come for the whole weekend if you live further afield. Plans for Drive it Day on April 24th may include meeting up with other area groups of MASC in Burton upon Trent, with a trip round the brewery museum. Next meeting at The Sitwell Thursday March 10th Ian’s engine awaits cylinder head return Ian Cooke
38 Notts & Derby Report
Notts + Derby (and little bits of Upcoming event Yorkshire and Lincolnshire) area rep. Sunday 24th April – Drive it Day Details for North Notts + South Yorks area meet:- Planned drive ending at a MASC gathering at 3rd Sunday of the month from 10am Burton upon Trent The Courtyard Tea Room, Womersley, north Contact: Ian Cooke (Notts + Derby are of Doncaster DN6 9BH rep) [email protected] Contact: John Austerfield austerfield.07@ btinternet.com WollatonWollaton ParkPark AutokarnaAutokarna Nottingham Sunday 5th June 2016 The annual Wollaton Park Autokarna is organised by The Pre-War Austin Seven Club. Set in scenic parkland with the Elizabethan hall as the backdrop (containing the natural history museum - open to the public) the range of classic vehicles on show includes buses, army trucks, cars, motorcycles and bikes, and traction engines to caravans! There is a Motor Show sponsored by the Nottingham Evening Post representing local car dealerships. There are fairground rides, activities and an autojumble. Wollaton Hall contains a natural history museum and there is an Industrial Museum in the neighbouring stable block.
The Notts + Derby group are having a “Club Paddock” again and we extend our invitation to all MASC areas to join us there with your flags – come for the weekend and visit other local places of interest. Entry fee is £5 per classic car - booking deadline for paddock by 30th April Entry forms available from www.pwa7c.co.uk Ian Cooke (Notts/Derby area rep) 0115 9383838 [email protected]
39 Market Place Adverts to Alan Lo, 23 Charnell Road, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5NE email: [email protected] 07474 343 643 Free to go: Mascot issues 209 March 2001 through to present day January 2016; must be collected or pay for postage. Contact :[email protected] For Sale: 1) Frogeye front bumper with over riders. straight but needs re-chroming. 2) Frogeye C39 Dynamo with coil mount and coil. Condition unknown. 3) Frogeye mechanical AC type Y fuel pump. Going cheap! Offers? Contact Alan Anstead tel: 01322 384050 email: alan.anstead@ btopenworld.com For sale: Frogeye N/S door comes with hinges and lloy trim; needs lower edge repair, £20. Windscreen and frame 2 stud (needs new rubbers), £60. Dynamo, £40. Seats, back and base frame, £50 each. Half shafts, £20 each. Shock absorbers, £10 each. Contact Reg; 01889- 271037 (Staffs). For sale: Practical Classics magazines, volumes 1–13 in original binders. Includes ‘A’ series engine rebuild and Frogeye restoration. £40.00 – buyer collects (Stourbridge, West Midlands) Tel: 07801 349259. For Sale: Mk1 Sprite. Bought it as a wreck about 15 years ago and commissioned a garage to completely restore it from the ground up, 1275 engine, front disk brakes, negative earth and wire wheels, etc. records and photos of the restoration from beginning to end After restoration it was licenced in August 2000, since restoration done just under 5000 miles. First registered on 3 Sept 1960, and has had 6 former keepers. At the moment has a personalised number of 143 WX, but that can be sold and replaced by a historic number if necessary. Garaged, and kept in a ventilated “tent” cover. Not used over the winter and only taken out in summer on “good days” so it never gets wet!! Though does have new hood and side screens. £18,000 ono including reg number and car cover. Contact Graham Manson on 07966 212 555, or by email [email protected]
40
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